Greater Lafayette Chamber reaches fundraising goal for ‘One Acadiana’

The Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce has reached the $15 million fundraising goal to operate the Campaign for One Acadiana for the next five years.

The One Acadiana campaign is an effort to form a multiparish economic development agency that will combine resources to recruit industry, attract talent and speak to Washington, D.C., and Baton Rouge with a greater voice.

By pledging the $15 million, a diverse group of more than 120 businesses, individuals and organizations has financed One Acadiana for the next five years.

“The One Acadiana initiative provides an unmatched opportunity for our business community to help set the vision and priorities for our region’s future,” said Jason El Koubi, President and CEO of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.

He said a diverse group of Acadiana business leaders are now turning their full attention to implementing the bold new economic development program.

“We have the planning, leadership and financial resources in place to take our region to the next level for our businesses and families,” El Koubi said.

The businesses and people participating come from all nine parishes that make up One Acadiana: Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermilion.

Jim Prince, a retired chief financial officer for Stone Energy who was chairman of the chamber’s fundraising committee, thanked members of the regional business community who seized the initiative to build a more competitive Acadiana.

“We are witnessing something new for this area,” Prince said. “Our region has never pulled together like this before, and it is a very exciting time. I encourage businesses and individuals not yet involved to join us as we help shape the future of our economy.”

For more information on how to become involved with the Campaign for One Acadiana, contact Missy Bienvenu Andrade at missy@oneacadiana.org or (337) 408-3652.